Young and Rising Directors of Bollywood

Bollywood has been seeing a surge of newcomers in every field, of late.

A large section of these newcomers fall under the filmmaking category and have showed what they are capable of with their very first film. These directors are young and rising to a new level altogether.

Punit Malhotra

After serving as an assistant director in films like 'Dostana', 'Paheli' 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' and 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' this young man directed the Imran Khan-Sonam Kapoor starrer 'I Hate Love Stories'. He is reportedly dating the leading lady of this film, Sonam Kapoor.

Vikramaditya Motwane

He was the man who gave us one of last year's most appreciated film, 'Udaan'. The film showcased his brilliance as a filmmaker and also found a place in the 63rd Cannes Film Festival. Motwane was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's long time assistant and screenwriter of films like 'Dev D' and 'Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal'.

Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma surprised the world with his great sense of humour when he took the world's most wanted terrorist, Osama Bin Laden and weaved a hilarious story out of it.His was the most different and innovative take on Laden. The result: an amazing find for Bollywood.

Anusha Rizvi

Anusha Rizvi's gritty direction showed the real face of the Indian media and politicos. Her very first film was selected as India's official entry to the oscars. The film also won the Best First Film award at the Durban Film Festival.

Danish Aslam

Danish Aslam made his directorial debut with the light hearted 'Break Ke Baad. The film was well received and many critics even praised him for bringing out a career-best performance from the leading lady of the film Deepika Padukone.

Ayan Mukherji

Ayan Mukherji brought a much needed vibrancy back to the big screen with his coming-of-age tale, 'Wake Up Sid'

Kiran Rao

So much has been said about Kiran Rao that we don't need to add to it. She is a young woman who thought differently and created poetry through her movie.

Abhinav Kashyap

Abhinav struck gold with his very first venture and has even King Khan vying for his attention. Icing on the cake was 'Dabangg' was adjudged the Best Popular Film at the National Awards. Need we say anything more about him or his first directorial debut. (MensXP.com)